Tag Archives: Mold News

Mold Puts a Damper on Holiday Cheer

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Even holiday cheer is no match for a mold infestation. In mid-February, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission issued a recall of certain seasonal products under the Ashland label when they were found to have Aspergillus mold.

National chain reacts to moldy products

The affected products included artificial poinsettias, cardboard holiday boxes and holiday wreaths. They were all found at Michaels, a national chain that sells craft and art supplies. According to a statement from Michaels’ corporate office, the company discovered the mold through their own testing and reported the problem to the CPSC. A full refund was offered to purchasers, with or without a receipt.

Possible risks of mold-affected products

Aspergillus is one of the more common forms of mold. Its presence can be a serious health risk for people with allergies or compromised immune systems. Mold is found everywhere, and it’s harmless in small quantities. However, since mold can multiply rapidly, it’s best to dispose of affected products immediately to avoid cross-contamination.

While there are thousands of types of mold, one thing they all have in common is the need for moisture. Environmental health specialist Todd Seib says regardless of the species, it’s important to limit exposure by venting your bathroom and keeping humidity below 60 percent. Without proper ventilation, mold can appear within 72 hours.

A specialist interviewed about the Michaels situation stated that mold treatment through remediation can take one week to several months. Our proprietary mold treatment process is usually completed within one day, resulting in little to no disruption in your daily activities. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Tenants Know Your Rights When It Comes to a Mold Problem

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Landlord-tenant relationships, and the court cases tied to their management, are nothing new. Following evictions, do you know what the second most common cause for court cases is? Complaints about neglected repairs, including mold treatment.

What should I do if I have a mold problem?
Your landlord is required to keep your home in fit and habitable condition, and mold problems could affect your family’s health and safety. Verbal reminders won’t cut it. Notify your landlord in writing documenting what needs to be fixed (roof leak, plumbing, etc.), keeping copies and proof of mailing as documentation you requested the repairs. Advise your landlord you will move from the property if the repairs aren’t made within a timely manner (i.e. starting repairs within 14 days), and finished within a reasonable amount of time.

Pursuing legal options
For those with extensive written documentation who have doggedly pursued mold treatment from landlords to no avail, filing a case with your local legal justice center may be of help – provided area law and your lease specifically stipulate the landlord as liable. Keep in mind, however, court costs are on the renter and decision in the hands of the judge, leaving your best outcomes reimbursement for damaged items, cleanup you contracted, or a lease broken without penalty and return of your security deposit.

Moving to escape mold
Many people become frustrated, simply moving to avoid moldy conditions. Unfortunately, without deep cleaning to affected furniture and upholstery, mold is moving with you.

Tired of living with mold in your rental home? Stern mold can help, offering free mold testing and affordable mold treatment options – without ripping out your walls. Contact Stern to learn more today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, MoldExterm

NASA Space Launch is Grounded by Mold

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Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

Mold from warehouse impacts NASA.

When it comes to mold, even billion-dollar government agencies are vulnerable to its dangers. NASA was forced to delay the March 10 launch of a supply shipment when mold treatment was required for its cargo.

Mold in outer space?

An unmanned Orbital ATK Cygnus craft was scheduled to leave Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the next load of supplies to the International Space Station. The launch was put on hold after a routine inspection at Kennedy Space Center discovered a substance growing on two of the fabric cargo bags.

Subsequent microbial analysis revealed that the substance was black mold. NASA decided to take the precaution of unpacking and disinfecting all the cargo. This marks the first time that mold has interfered with an ISS supply shipment.

NASA’s mold safety precautions

According to NASA spokesperson Dan Huot, the agency performs regular inspections and disinfects cargo bags to provide “a safe environment for the crew members.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that mold can cause allergic reactions ranging from stuffiness and wheezing to fever and shortness of breath.

Although earlier inspections showed that the Cygnus’s pressurized module was clean, Huot stated that an investigation is being conducted to determine the source of the mold. Officials are now aiming for a March 22 launch.

Don’t let a mold infestation bring activities at your home or business to a screeching halt. Our effective and eco-friendly mold treatment is usually completed in one day, creating minimum disruption to your daily routine. Contact Stern Mold today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment

Judge Steps in to Force Mold Repairs in NY Public Housing

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When federal Judge William H. Pauley found out New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) officials were not giving proper attention to mold treatment in public housing, he appointed a monitor to oversee the work and ensure the root cause of the mold is addressed. Judge Pauley said officials were jeopardizing the health and public welfare of NYCHA residents.

Mold is a widespread problem

Over 300 housing projects are known to have mold issues, many due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. Residents complained about the shoddy workmanship being done. They said workers were just scraping off visible mold and painting over the affected area. Judge Pauley’s decree should ensure the housing units receive proper mold treatment going forward.

NYCHA sued over mold

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice along with environment group The Natural Resources Defense Council filed a class-action suit against the city back in 2013.

Many occupants of NYCHA were experiencing health issues like asthma due to breathing mold spores. The Housing Authority quickly settled the suit and said it would complete needed repairs within 15 days of any work order.

Judge Pauley issued his ruling because officials were extending repair timelines and not providing proper mold treatment. Mold also came back in about 41 percent of the areas treated by the Housing Authority because workers were not eliminating the moisture source that was feeding mold colonies.

Landlords must take mold seriously

Mold can lead to serious health problems for some people. To protect your tenants’ health and yourself from lawsuits, choose Stern Mold for your mold treatment. We use the cost-effective MoldExterm method for thorough treatment with minimal downtime for you.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Is Mold Your Nighmare Guest?

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According to legend, even vampires must wait to be invited before they enter your home. As demonstrated by a recent story in mold news, this invasive fungus displays no such good manners.

Last September, a surprise “visit” from black mold led to a nightmare of inconvenience and red tape for one Ohio apartment renter. Upon receiving notice of the problem along with photographic evidence, the management company took three weeks just to approve the request for repair.

Unfortunately, the situation became more involved. The renter reported a foul smell emanating from the faucet in her master bathroom, only to be told that “foul water or odor/mold” is not considered an emergency. When maintenance finally responded, they claimed the problem didn’t exist based on inspection of the wrong bathroom.

The renter was forced to submit yet another service request. It ultimately took a visit from the management company’s director of operations to resolve the tangled mess. Final work on the clean-up was due to be completed mid-October, more than one month after the initial report.

While this mold news may sound like the plot of a sitcom, there’s nothing funny about this issue. Continued exposure can result in upper respiratory ailments and other serious physical illnesses. At this point, not all states have clear laws regarding mold so consumers need to be vigilant and persistent.

If you even suspect that mold has taken up residence in your home or office, don’t leave it to chance. Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment provides safe elimination of mold without major disruption to you and other occupants. Visit our website to request a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment
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